New motorcycle shop opens on west side

By Art Pulis, Sun Business Advocate

Dave Waddell opens Copper State Cycles

Most people don't consider V-twin motorcycles like Harley-Davidson exactly quiet, but tucked away at the rear of the building at 893 West Wickenburg Way across from the Bowling Alley lies the quiet business of Copper State Cycles.

Dave Waddell and his wife Alta have lived in Wickenburg since 1991. Dave's profession is as a consultant specializing in aviation maintenance and engineering. Every time an airliner changes hands, someone has to make sure that the maintenance is current and fits to the program of the new owner. Waddell was the go-to guy for that work, but the profession kept him constantly on the road - especially overseas travel. Like many road warriors, he burned out from the travel and looked for a way to stay closer to home.

Waddell's first motorcycle endeavor was local firm Chrome Caballeros. That business operates first-class custom motorcycle tours around Arizona and southern Utah.

In 2004, Waddell started Copper State Cycles in Scottsdale and recently moved it up to Wickenburg.

“I saw the growth around here and especially the growth in motorcycle riders,” said Waddell. “Wickenburg is a natural destination and stopping spot for weekend riders out of Phoenix, and that adds to our potential customers.

“Our plan is to be open with regular hours, give great service, have quality stock and state-of-the-art equipment, and employ a top certified technician,” he added. “We now do that, and with that formula we should be successful.”

The business retails new and used motorcycles specializing in Harley Davidson and other American-made V-twin bikes. The company is the Arizona franchise dealer for Red Horse motorcycles, which are limited-production custom cycles on the Harley design.

In addition to sales, the store is a full-service motorcycle facility. Waddell has built up a long list of happy customers who allow him and his team to maintain their favorite toys. They have followed the business up to Wickenburg - giving the service department an instant jump start.

In addition to the heavy maintenance on V-twins, the shop will also do light service on all other motorcycles including dirt bikes and ATVs.

Parts and tires are a specialty of the store with all tires sold on a 20 percent off basis.

“Tires wear out quickly on motorcycles, and they are expensive,” said Waddell. “Our policy is to price tires very competitively to make sure we lure the Phoenix people up here and keep our local customers from going to Phoenix. That's especially true with the great amount of locals with ATVs. They no longer have to travel to Phoenix for service, oil changes, breaks, and tires.”

The store stocks a generous inventory of helmets, jackets, gloves, riding suits, and accessories for both road and off-road bikes.

Waddell has extensive plans for local promotions as well as unique ways to invite riders to the Wickenburg area, but he is not yet giving away his secrets. For the time being, visitors riding to the shop will usually enjoy a surprise Š like the root beer floats he gave away on July 4.

Copper State Cycles can be reached at 684-0544.

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